For those of you who are curious about the Deer Farm’s beginnings, this is the shortest version we could manage to make of a very long story…
In 1977, while on vacation from our home in California, we happened upon Arizona’s Grand Canyon Deer Farm.
Having never heard of a “Deer Farm”, we became intrigued and decided to visit it. We had a wonderful time and vowed upon leaving that, one day, we would build a similar attraction. In 1987 we visited again, not only to confirm our original experience, but to also talk with the owners to be sure we were making the correct decision. Well, in retrospect, we did…
It took eight years of long hours working in our profession of nuclear health physics to amass the necessary funds to make our dream come true.
In 1988 we left the nukes and returned to the 143 Tennessee acres we purchased in 1985. We started doing animal species research and care while simultaneously breaking ground on our deer farm. It was a major project: leveling a ridge, stringing fence lines and constructing shelters. In addition, we spent many an hour trying to figure out pathways for kids to use to get through it alive and well and leave laughing.
My how time flies when you’re having a good time! Some 27 years have slipped by since then, and the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm continues to be a favorite among both tourists and locals alike. Come see why. We offer a very unique animal experience that the whole family will enjoy. Where else will dad be encouraged to reach out to pet a bull elk?
